Expectations of a weaker peak season coupled with meager capacity expansion and carriers’ increased willingness to trim capacity via blank sailings, are likely to keep U.S. importers from Asia on edge. In addition to affecting available capacity in the eastbound trans-Pacific, the blank sailings serve to increase spot freight rates higher, directly affecting importers’ transportation costs.

The spot rate from Shangai to the West Coast increased from $1,382 per FEU on June 21 to $1,720 on June 28, an increase of 24.5 percent. The East Coast rate jumped from $2,404 per FEU to $2,789 on June 28, a 16 percent increase.